German Chocolate Sheet Cake: A Moist, Irresistible Delight
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Are you craving a rich, decadent dessert that’s both easy to make and perfect for any occasion? German Chocolate Sheet Cake
is the answer! This version of the classic German chocolate cake is
made in a simple sheet pan, making it super easy to bake, serve, and
share with friends and family. With a moist, soft cake and a sweet
coconut-pecan frosting, this dessert is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet
tooth.
Ingredients for a Perfect German Chocolate Sheet Cake
Cake Ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk and a teaspoon of vinegar)
1 cup boiling water
1 ounce German chocolate, chopped
Coconut-Pecan Frosting Ingredients:
1 cup evaporated milk
1 ½ cups packed brown sugar
½ cup butter
3 large egg yolks
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
1 ½ cups sweetened shredded coconut
1 ½ cups chopped pecans
Step-by-Step Instructions
Baking the Cake:
Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch sheet pan with butter or non-stick spray.
Melt the chocolate: In a small saucepan, combine the German chocolate and boiling water. Stir until fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. Set aside.
Cream butter and sugar: In a large bowl, beat together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3 minutes.
Mix wet and dry ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, and stir until just combined.
Add the melted chocolate: Stir the cooled melted chocolate into the batter until it’s evenly distributed.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared sheet pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and free of batter. Let the cake cool completely.
Making the Frosting:
Cook the frosting base: In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, brown sugar, butter, and egg yolks. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens (this will take around 8-10 minutes).
Add coconut and pecans: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, shredded coconut, and chopped pecans. Let the frosting cool slightly before spreading it over the cake.
Assembling the Cake:
Frost the cake: Once the cake is completely cool, spread the coconut-pecan frosting evenly on top.
Serve and enjoy: Cut into squares and enjoy this incredibly moist, decadent cake!
Why You’ll Love This German Chocolate Sheet Cake
- Easy to Make: This recipe eliminates the hassle of making layered cakes. Everything bakes in one pan, and the frosting comes together quickly!
- Perfect for Sharing: The sheet cake is ideal for parties, gatherings, or potlucks. It’s easy to cut into squares and serve to a crowd.
- Rich and Flavorful: The combination of rich chocolate cake and a sweet, crunchy coconut-pecan frosting creates the ultimate dessert experience.
- Perfect Texture: The cake remains moist and fluffy, while the frosting is thick, gooey, and packed with flavor.
Helpful Tips for Success
- Don’t skip the cooling: Be sure to let the cake cool completely before adding the frosting, or it might melt and slide off.
- Use quality ingredients: Opt for high-quality German chocolate and fresh coconut for the best flavor.
- Customize the frosting: If you prefer more coconut or pecans, feel free to add extra. This recipe is very forgiving!
- Storing leftovers: Keep any remaining cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Final Thoughts
This German Chocolate Sheet Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you're hosting a party, preparing a family dinner, or just craving something sweet. The combination of a soft, chocolate cake with a creamy, nutty coconut-pecan frosting will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a dessert that’s sure to impress, while being quick and easy to prepare!